Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has expressed strong disapproval over the sale of state lands and government bungalows to private developers, labeling the practice as unacceptable.
This came up when she addressed the Bench at the 43rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana (AMJG) in Accra, which was on the theme: “Improving the Security and Welfare of the Judiciary for Effective Justice Delivery.”
She mentioned that records at the Lands Commission, shows that as at 2015, portions of houses occupied by Supreme Court judges since the last century have been sold, after redeveloping them at the nation’s expense.
The Chief Justice emphasized that state lands and government-owned properties serve crucial public purposes, and selling them off to private developers undermines their role in supporting government operations and public services. She highlighted that these properties were originally designated to benefit public institutions and should not be transferred to private ownership without clear justification.
Though series of legal actions has taken to clarify and resolve issues the Judicial Service faced with various sector ministries. The Chief Justice noted the Judicial Service has put measures in place to protect national assets entrusted to it and is effective plans are being considered to renovate and remodel existing facilities to better meet the country’s justice needs.
The Chief Justice called for greater accountability and transparency in the management of state lands, urging that any sale of public assets should follow due process and be done in the best interest of the nation. She also urged the government and relevant authorities to carefully examine the long-term consequences of such sales, especially in urban areas where state lands are increasingly scarce.
The sale of state lands and bungalows to private developers under the pretence of town development projects could hinder future infrastructure development. Chief Justice Torkornoo warned that such sales could lead to unregulated or inappropriate use of the land, limiting the government’s ability to expand public services such as schools, hospitals, and transportation infrastructure.
As part of her Judicial reforms, the Chief Justice also made it known that construction work on the Wa Court Complex had resumed. She stressed that the Judiciary was making significant efforts to reduce caseloads in various courts and had initiated an effective policy to archive all records.
Government bungalows, especially those allocated to public officials, including members of the judiciary, are essential for ensuring the smooth operation of state institutions. Chief Justice Torkornoo expressed concern that selling these properties could negatively affect the accommodation needs of public servants and disrupt the functionality of key government offices.
In the arena of digitalization, she touched on the urgency of courts to consideer infusing such reforms in judicial and administrative proceedings. “Virtual hearings required infrastructure of stable power, internet and room protection from intrusive sounds,” she is quoted by the GNA to have said.
The Chief Justice urged judges to focus on promptly hearing cases when scheduled. She urged Judges sanitize work delivery in order to serve justice expeditiously.
